16 hrs.
area: PT
prequel/pre-requisite: Advanced Quantum Field Theory for Particle Physics (HT)
Fundamental properties of the Standard Model, its exact and approximate symmetries, gauge dynamics and matter content. The idea of effective field theories with examples (the chiral Lagrangian description of low-energy confining QCD, and Fermi theory). Scale dependence of couplings: the renormalisation group and relevant, marginal, and irrelevant interactions. Electroweak symmetry breaking and W/Z-boson and Higgs phenomenology, and fundamental open questions.
Introduction to the physics of anomalies. Possible UV completion of the SM to a Grand Unified Theory, and the successes and failures of gauge coupling unification and matter unification, including first look at the Hierarchy Problem. Proton decay. Neutrino masses. CP-violation and electric dipole moments. The strong CP problem of QCD.
Prof John March-Russell
No formal assessment; homework completion